GATCHAMAN #1, by Mad Cave Studios on 6/26/24, introduces the world to Elerion Dynamics’ invention to solve the world’s energy problems, but will the Galactor terrorist group crush hope before it blooms?
Credits:
- Writer: Cullen Bunn
- Artist: Chris Batista
- Colorist: Carlos Lopez
- Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
- Cover Artist: Inaki Miranda (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: June 26, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 36
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GATCHAMAN #1:
Plot Analysis:
Mad Cave Studios and writer Cullen Bunn don their glider capes to tackle one of the world’s most recognizable anime properties in Gatchaman #1. Revisiting classic properties is the new hotness, so it makes sense that an International IP could be a valuable asset for a publisher willing to give longtime fans what they’ve been missing. Does Bunn do the Science Ninja Team justice? Let’s find out.
We begin with a press announcement from Dr. Mueller of Elerion Dynamics. His latest invention, a fusion accelerator, is guaranteed to solve the world’s energy problems. Before the demonstration and full details are presented, a giant spaceship with a top that looks like a sundew plant appears over the city to reign down mass destruction.
Cullen Bunn wastes no time jumping the reader into the action with a sparse setup. Bunn’s pace is high, and the brutal destruction is immediate, so you get that same feeling as you would from watching the Gatchman cartoon, where every second counts to tell the story in the time allotted. Anime (and cartoons) don’t have the luxury of decompression, and it appears Bunn has taken that model to heart.
Meanwhile, we catch up with Dr. Kozaburo Nambu’s Beta team training to infiltrate a high-security facility in a simulation. The team members are strong-willed and highly capable, itching to be ready for the day when they can take over Gatchaman and the Science Ninja Team. Suddenly, the Beta Team is ambushed by the Science Ninja Team as the last challenge in their simulation. Blustering words are exchanged (and perhaps a little flirting between the team leaders), but the fight is abruptly stopped when Dr. Nambu receives word of the attack on Amegapolis.
Bunn uses the training scene to expand the cast of characters in the Gatchman lore and establish interpersonal tension between the two teams for different reasons, ranging from romantic to jealousy. That said, it’s impossible to see the Beta team introduction and not suspect Mad Cave might try to do one or more character swaps in the future, which admittedly elicited a negative, knee-jerk reaction.
The Science Ninja Team departs to the scene of the attack, and Bunn leans on a little positive fan service by running through the classic team introduction.
When the God Phoenix (the Science Ninja Team’s airship) arrives on the scene, they’re quickly awed by the size and destructive power of the sundew mecha. Worse, the mecha destroys buildings with the swipe of its mighty petals (???), and it sticks tanks and heavy machinery to its outer layer to form armor that can defend or cast off as a projectile. God Phoenix escapes total destruction, but the sundew mecha snatches up the airship and begins swinging it around like a hammer, causing even more devastation.
Bunn uses the “show, don’t tell method” of putting our heroes on the ropes with overwhelming force and size. Again, you feel like you’re watching the classic cartoon by leaping right to the action with minimum setup, exposition, or context. Bunn brilliantly sticks the style of storytelling from the source material.
We conclude the issue with Dr. Nambu helplessly watching his elite team get tossed around like rag dolls. Fearing the worst possible outcome, he signals the Beta team to get ready to lend aid. The ending establishes a simple, clear, and effective cliffhanger with unpredictable possibilities, which is exactly what readers would want.
Artwork and Presentation:
If you’re not wearing a hat, go get one, put it on, and give a big ol’ tip to Chris Batista for absolutely nailing the look, tone, vibe, action, and excitement of the Gatchaman series. The Science Ninja Team members look source accurate, the action is over-the-top exciting without tipping into silliness, and the bright pop of Carlos Lopez’s immaculate coloring is amazing.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Longtime Gatchaman fans may be worried about fiddling with the classic team or the source material, but your worries are (so far) unfounded. All the characters, including Lord Katso, are presented accurately and faithfully in this standalone adventure. To be clear, there’s no obvious connection to a specific storyline or timeline, so it’s hard to say where this issue sits in continuity, but this issue at least doesn’t step on any of the source material.
Final Thoughts:
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GATCHAMAN #1 is a faithful start to a modern take on the classic anime with source-accurate character designs and situations. Cullen Bunn adopts the pacing of the original anime, jumping straight into the action, and the art team’s delivery is spot-on.
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